APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Ethiopia on Tuesday awarded one of its best athletes, Kenenisa Bekele a special honor medal, making him the only athlete to be given such an award, APA learns here.

Kenenisa was awarded the medal by Ethiopian President Girma Woldegiorgisse on Tuesday at the national palace for his achievements in athletics, especialy in his victory at the 12th Berlin international athletic championships where he won two gold medals in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres respectively.

He was the only athlete to have won two gold medals for Ethiopia, which for the first time lost its women dominance in the 5,000 and 10,000 metre races.

Kenenissa said on the occasion that the award would compel him for better achievements

The Ethiopian athletics squad stood seventh at the 12th Berlin international athletics championship and ranked second among African nations with eight medals.

Kenenisa Bekele was also awarded about $7,500 for his victory while other athletes who won silver and bronze receive $1,700 and $1,000 for their victory at the championships.

It was reported that Bekele was also awarded around $1 million during the championship for his victory and sponsorship and other payments.